Unearth The Voyage
Across the country, a surprising state is pulling ahead in the race for new residents. Oregon, often overshadowed by flashier neighbors, now leads the nation in inbound moves according to recent data. People seeking better job prospects and more affordable living are quietly packing up and heading northwest, reshaping the economic landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
1. Oregon ranked #1 for inbound moves in United Van Lines’ 2025 study
United Van Lines just released numbers that surprised many migration watchers. Oregon claimed the top spot with a whopping 65% of all moves being inbound, meaning nearly two out of every three households using their service came to Oregon rather than left.
This ranking puts Oregon ahead of every other qualifying state in the 2025 dataset. The percentage reflects a strong shift in where Americans want to live. Families and young professionals alike are choosing Oregon as their next home base, drawn by a mix of opportunity and lifestyle that other states struggle to match.
2. The 65% inbound stat is about share of moves, not millions moving
Before anyone imagines Oregon gaining millions overnight, the 65% figure needs context. United Van Lines tracks household moves within their own UniGroup network, then calculates what share went in versus out.
This methodology means the statistic reflects proportions, not raw population totals. A state could have 65% inbound with relatively modest total move volume. Still, the percentage signals strong momentum and reveals which direction people prefer when they do relocate, making it a useful barometer of desirability even if the absolute numbers stay modest.
3. Job-related moves were a big driver in Oregon’s inbound mix
Money talks, and jobs are doing a lot of the talking in Oregon right now. Fox Business highlighted that about 36% of people moving to Oregon cited employment as their primary reason.
Tech companies and healthcare facilities are actively recruiting, creating a magnet effect for skilled workers. When people see openings in growing sectors, they jump at the chance for career advancement. Oregon’s employment landscape offers both stability and growth potential, making it an easy sell for anyone tired of stagnant job markets or fierce competition in overcrowded metros elsewhere.
4. Eugene–Springfield showed up as the top inbound metro in the United data
While Oregon overall grabbed headlines, one metro area stole the show entirely. Eugene–Springfield posted an eye-popping 85% inbound rate in United’s metro-level data, far outpacing even the statewide average.
This twin-city region combines college-town energy with practical affordability. Families appreciate the walkable neighborhoods and strong schools, while young adults enjoy the cultural scene without big-city price tags. The combination of livability and value makes Eugene–Springfield a poster child for the broader Oregon migration story, proving smaller metros can outcompete major hubs.
5. Springfield is repeatedly cited as a value alternative to larger Oregon metros
Springfield keeps popping up in conversations about smart relocation choices. Fox Business specifically noted its lower cost of living compared to Portland and other big Oregon cities, while still offering easy access to Eugene’s amenities.
Proximity matters when you want both affordability and convenience. Springfield residents can commute to Eugene for work or entertainment in minutes, yet pay significantly less for housing. The city punches above its weight in delivering quality of life without the premium price tag, making it a strategic pick for budget-conscious movers.
6. Springfield’s home values are materially below many big-metro benchmarks
Zillow data tells a compelling story for homebuyers watching their budgets. Springfield’s average home value hovers around $407,000, a figure that buys considerably more square footage and yard space than equivalent dollars in coastal metros.
Compare that to San Francisco, Seattle, or even Portland proper, where the same budget might land you a cramped condo. Springfield offers actual houses with driveways and backyards. Typical time-to-pending stats also suggest a healthier market balance, giving buyers a fighting chance without the bidding-war madness plaguing hotter markets nationwide.
7. Oregon’s tax structure is a real draw for some budgets: no statewide sales tax
Every time you buy groceries, clothes, or electronics in Oregon, you pay exactly the sticker price. Oregon’s Department of Revenue confirms the state levies no general statewide sales tax, a rarity that saves households real money over time.
For families making frequent purchases, those savings add up fast. A $1,000 furniture set costs $1,000, not $1,070 or more. Daily expenses feel lighter when you’re not mentally calculating an extra percentage at every checkout. This tax quirk changes household budgeting in meaningful ways, especially for people relocating from high-sales-tax states.
8. But Oregon’s income tax is part of the trade-off
Nothing in life comes free, and Oregon’s tax picture has another side. The state’s Department of Revenue publishes personal income tax rate tables that show Oregon taxes income at rates higher than many neighboring states.
Whether Oregon feels affordable depends heavily on your earnings and filing status. High earners may find the income tax bite offsets sales-tax savings, while moderate-income households often come out ahead. Smart movers crunch the numbers for their specific situation rather than assuming Oregon is universally cheap, because tax structures favor different income profiles in different ways.
9. Oregon isn’t cheap nationally but it is cheaper than California in a common index
World Population Review’s cost-of-living index puts Oregon at 111.8, noticeably above the national baseline of roughly 100. That means Oregon costs more than average nationwide, so calling it a bargain state would be misleading.
However, California clocks in at 142.3, substantially pricier than Oregon. For the many Californians eyeing an exit, Oregon delivers meaningful savings without requiring a cross-country leap. The comparison explains why Oregon attracts so many Golden State refugees: it’s not rock-bottom cheap, but it’s cheaper than what they’re leaving behind.
10. Health care is a legitimate jobs engine in Oregon and projected to keep growing
Oregon’s workforce projections point to one sector as a powerhouse: health care and social assistance. State outlook sources forecast major growth, with a large share of new jobs expected in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
An aging population and expanding coverage drive demand for nurses, technicians, and support staff. Oregon’s health systems are hiring aggressively to keep pace. For anyone with medical credentials or considering a career change, Oregon offers both immediate openings and long-term stability, making it a smart destination for healthcare professionals at any career stage.
11. Oregon’s health care sector has also shown strong recent job gains
Past performance isn’t just for investment disclaimers. Oregon’s Health Care Workforce Needs Assessment cites Oregon Employment Department data showing over 15,000 jobs added in health care and social assistance in just the past year.
That’s not a future promise, that’s recent history. Hospitals expanded wings, clinics opened new locations, and care networks hired in waves. The momentum suggests the sector isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Job seekers can see concrete proof that Oregon’s healthcare boom is real, not speculative, giving them confidence to make the move.
12. Semiconductor investment is a major high-wage jobs storyline in Oregon
Oregon is betting big on silicon, and the chips are falling in workers’ favor. A state workforce report describes expectations of $40 billion in new semiconductor investment, translating to an estimated 6,300 direct new jobs plus thousands more in construction.
These aren’t minimum-wage gigs. Semiconductor jobs typically offer strong salaries, benefits, and career ladders. Oregon’s push to become a chip-making hub creates opportunities for engineers, technicians, and skilled trades alike. For anyone eyeing a stable, well-paid career, Oregon’s semiconductor surge is a golden ticket worth serious consideration.
13. Data centers are another fast-growing employment pocket
Axios reports that Oregon data center employment jumped nearly 70% since 2018, reaching over 8,000 workers statewide by 2024 according to U.S. Census Bureau figures. Major operators have set up shop, drawn by Oregon’s cheap hydropower and favorable climate for cooling.
Data centers need technicians, engineers, security personnel, and support staff around the clock. The work pays well and offers paths into the broader tech sector. As cloud computing and digital services expand, Oregon’s data center footprint will likely keep growing, creating steady demand for talent.
14. California-to-Oregon relocation remains part of the broader pattern
SFGate’s migration summary, citing U-Haul data, includes Oregon among the popular destinations for people leaving California. The pattern fits a broader trend of Californians fanning out to neighboring states in search of lower costs and less congestion.
Oregon offers a familiar West Coast vibe without California’s price tag. The climate, culture, and landscape feel similar enough to ease the transition, yet the cost savings feel immediate. This half-ring migration around California has reshaped demographics across the region, with Oregon capturing a sizable share of those seeking greener, cheaper pastures.
15. Other mover datasets show Oregon isn’t uniformly inbound
Axios, citing Atlas Van Lines analysis, reported Oregon had more outbound than inbound moves in 2025 in that particular sample. This contradiction matters because it reminds us that no single dataset tells the whole story.
Different moving companies serve different customer bases and regions, so results vary. Oregon can look hot in United’s data yet softer in Atlas’s numbers. Smart readers recognize that migration is complex and nuanced. Oregon’s appeal is real for many, but it’s not a universal magnet, and keeping that perspective ensures a balanced, accurate understanding.
